240 NEW ZEALAND NATURE-STUDY BOOK 
attacks of enemies, and hence she was the parent most in 
need of effective weapons. 
The hoofs are divided by a deep cleft down the centre 
so that the foot consists of two toes, the inner surfaces of 
which fit closely together. It is usual 
a to speak of the Cow's foot as “a cloven 
iH hoof,” but it really consists of two distinct 
i and independent hoofs, each of which is 
the thickened nail encasing the last joint 
of the digit. The digits which are left, in 
this case, are the third and fourth. In 
addition to the two “ toes” on which the 
‘animal walks, there are two others which 
do not reach the ground (the second and 
fifth). Cows, then, are even-toed, like 
Sheep, Pigs, and Goats, whilst Horses, as 
we have seen, are odd-toed. 
The Cow’s natural home is on the low 
grassy plains or meadows, on which the yielding cloven 
hoof is best suited for running. The open cleft admits the 
air, so that the hoof is easily withdrawn from the soft 
ground into which it has sunk. - 
The tail, which is really a continuation of the backbone, 
is long and flexible, with a tuft of thick hair at the end. It — 
is of great use to the animal in driving off the flies and 
other insects that settle on her body and worry her. 
When angry or frightened, Cows may be seen rushing 
across the meadows with their tails held out stiffly behind 
them. This is a sign of anger or fear, and serves as a 
warning to others ; just as the bobbing of the Rabbit's tail 
warns its fellows of danger. 
Uses. In some countries Oxen are used as beasts of 
burden, their strength, patience, and docility making them 
most valuable helpers to man. In this country they are 
Fig. 142.—Fore-foot 
of Cow. 
